I just made nettle soup last night for dinner, using the nettles that sprouted up in our garden. The soup was okay, but I would definitely tweak the recipe I used. I found both the texture and the flavour were lacking a little. I boiled the chopped nettles in chicken stock, then pureed it, along with some fresh chives from the garden. I think I might use potato to thicken it, if I made it again.

I searched for other soup recipes yesterday, because I know we'll have more nettles in a week or so, and I'd like to find something a little tastier. I found these recipes and might try some of them.

Anywhere you use spinach or other cooked greens. They taste great, and similar to spinach but with a rougher texture.

They're awesome in lasagna.

If you eat eggs, they're great in egg dishes as well.

Oh, and to make a tincture, chop up the herb, put it in a jar, cover with alcohol (I like brandy for tinctures), shake it a couple times a day, strain some into a dropper bottle and use as desired.

You can make a tea (infusion) by pouring very hot water over the herb and letting it rest covered for 15 minutes. You can keep it in your fridge for 4-5 days and drink it daily for allergies. Nettles are very high in minerals, and the tea is wonderful for all kinds of stuff.